Would Wade as sixth man solve Heat puzzle?

ASK IRA:

Ask Ira is a daily feature of the Sun Sentinel

June 22, 2014|By Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel

MIAMI — Q: Ira, with all the talk about Dwyane Wade having to "reinvent" himself, what about Chris Bosh? If Wade cannot put up big numbers every night or be that "1A" option, I think it's time Bosh concentrated on getting back in the paint and scoring more. He certainly has the talent. -- Harold, Wellington.

A: First, the Heat and Wade have to decide next season's approach. Will Wade again miss a third of the schedule, once again either start or not play at all? Or can he gracefully move into a sixth-man role, where his routine absences would not have as much overall impact? Much of that, of course, is up to Dwyane, but a lot of it has to do with what replacement options become available on the free-agent market. Also, if Wade does slide into such a sixth-man role, then how would Ray Allen fit into the mix? Does Wade have enough quickness left to play as a reserve point guard (which, of course, the Heat also might already have in Norris Cole). It is a complex lineup puzzle that starts with Wade. Only then can the remainder of the pieces fall into place, including Bosh's role in the hierarchy.

Q: I'm still numb from the thumping I witnessed in the last three games of the Finals and have been reading articles on the debacle. Now that Pat Riley has told Erik Spoelstra to reinvent himself, will Spo have his "LeBron James/Mavs" renaissance summer? And if so, what changes do you think we'll see next season? (I'm hoping less small-ball and a stable substitution pattern is on the list.) -- Larry.

A: To Erik's credit, he has evolved every season, not just after that 2011 NBA Finals flop against the Mavericks. He certainly has kept the Pacers on edge these past three seasons. Mostly, what he has done is play to the strengths of his rosters. He certainly would have played bigger this season if Greg Oden had panned out, and he assuredly would have played deeper if Michael Beasley had inspired more confidence. So, to a degree, it also comes down to what Riley provides him. Only then can he formulate a strategy.

Q: Isn't it weird LeBron went on vacation with James Jones and Ray Allen, and not Wade and Bosh? Don't you find this odd? -- Layla.

A: No. Don't overstate the friendships with Wade and Bosh as the ultimate factor in LeBron's decision. He grew close to several member of this season's roster.